Expert: Brenda Martin - 6/23/2011

Question
QUESTION: When the Bible speak of 'Kingdom' what is it in reference to? What is the kingdom? How can the Kingdom be protected?

ANSWER: WHAT IS THE KINGDOM?

The Bible speaks of God’s Kingdom as being a government

Isaiah 9:6, 7,: “To us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his (Jesus) shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”

What effect will this Kingdom have on human governments?

Dan. 2:44: “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”

What will God’s Kingdom accomplish?

Matt. 6:9, 10: “You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come.’” (Here the sanctifying of God’s name is closely associated with the coming of his Kingdom.)

Remove sickness and disabilities of all kinds

Luke 7:22; 9:11: “Go your way, report to John what you saw and heard: the blind are receiving sight, the lame are walking, the lepers are being cleansed and the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised up, the poor are being told the good news.” “He [Jesus Christ] received them kindly and began to speak to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those needing a cure.” (Thus Jesus demonstrated what he as heavenly King will do for mankind.)

HOW CAN THE KINGDOM BE PROTECTED?

God’s heavenly Kingdom needs no protection, the Creator is its source, with Jesus as appointed king.

The ones who opposed the setting up of the kingdom (Satan & Demons) have been thrown out of heaven, & no human can stop God accomplishing his purpose.(Rev 12;7-9)

I hope this has raised further questions, as I look forward to answering them :¬)

all the best
Brenda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: so what does the 'Kingdom' have to do with the 'church'? Because I was told the term 'kingdom' was used to designate the true 'church'meaning saved believers and that one must willingly let God rule their lives according to his rules, not theirs to become a citizen of 'the kingdom'.
I heard someone say'protect the kingdom within'. What could that mean according to your knowledge because you couldnt know what that person was talking about?

ANSWER: SO WHAT DOES THE 'KINGDOM' HAVE TO DO WITH THE 'CHURCH'?

The first members of the True church or “christianity” (the apostles) are now members of this heavenly Kingdom.

“You are the ones that have stuck with me (Jesus) in my trials; and I make a covenant with you (the apostles), just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom” Luke 22;28,29

Later, the apostle Paul and Timothy were included in this covenant, or agreement, for a kingdom. For that reason Paul wrote Timothy: “If we go on enduring, we shall also rule together as kings.” (2 Timothy 2:12) Also, the apostle John wrote of those who will “rule as kings over the earth” along with Jesus Christ.—Revelation 5:9, 10; 20:6.

So those who go to heaven go there to serve as joint rulers with Christ in God’s heavenly government.
  
I WAS TOLD THE TERM 'KINGDOM' MEANT SAVED BELIEVERS AND THAT ONE MUST WILLINGLY LET GOD RULE THEIR LIVES ACCORDING TO HIS RULES, NOT THEIRS TO BECOME A CITIZEN OF 'THE KINGDOM'.

Yes a small number are “citizens of the heavenly kingdom” but the majority of true Christians will live under the rulership of this Kingdom, but both classes “let God rule their lives”.

In Revelation 14:1, 3 we read about those “citizens”: “And I saw, and, look! the Lamb [Jesus Christ] standing upon the [heavenly] Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand . . . who have been bought [or, taken] from the earth.” Note that only 144,000 persons are seen with the Lamb, Jesus Christ, on heavenly Mount Zion. (Hebrews 12:22) So rather than all good people going to heaven, the Bible reveals that only 144,000 tried and faithful persons will be taken there to rule with Christ.

It is clear that if there are to be such righteous rulers over the earth, then there must be those over whom they rule. The Bible refers to these persons as the “new earth.” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-4) Psalms 37;29

I HEARD SOMEONE SAY 'PROTECT THE KINGDOM WITHIN'.

Some think that Jesus himself promoted the idea that God’s Kingdom lies within the hearts of humans. Jesus did say: “Look! The kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21) Some translations say: “The kingdom of God is within you” or even “inside you.” Did he really mean that God’s Kingdom is found in human hearts?

Consider the audience Jesus was addressing when he spoke the words found at Luke 17:21. The preceding verse reads: “On being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them.” (Luke 17:20) The Pharisees were Jesus’ enemies. Jesus stated that those hypocrites were not going to enter God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 23:13) Now if the Pharisees were not to enter God’s Kingdom, could the Kingdom be in their hearts? Impossible!

A number of careful Bible translations say that the Kingdom is “among you” or “in the midst of you.” How was God’s Kingdom among those people at that time, including the Pharisees? Well, Jesus was the one whom God appointed to be the King of the Kingdom. As the King-Designate, Jesus was right in the midst of those people. He taught about the Kingdom of God and even performed miracles, giving them a preview of what that Kingdom would accomplish. In a very real sense, then, the Kingdom was in their midst.

All the best
Brenda




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You said Some THINK that Jesus himself promoted the idea that God’s Kingdom lies within the hearts of humans.Meaning,its just their translation and not actual? Are you also saying that the translations that say: “The kingdom of God is within you” or even “inside you.” are mistranslated giving thought that it may need to be protected somehow, which is why they say PROTECT the KINGDOM?

Answer
"its just their translation and not actual?"

thats correct, the bible teaches God's Kingdom is a heavenly government.

"Are you also saying that the translations that say: “The kingdom of God is within you” or even “inside you.” are mistranslated?"

Yes, whatever we believe must agree with ALL of the bible, the mistranslation of "within you"
has led some to believe it is something that can be "protected" when in reality the Kingdom is a heavenly government ruled by Jesus Christ.

It is of no surprise however, as there are many teachings that mislead people, that are not bible based. (1john 5;19)

Brenda

Ok :¬) but if you would like to know more go to www.watchtower.org or chat to me here.

all the best
Brenda